The opposition, in collaboration with hostile Western countries, is planning to cause mayhem ahead of the SADC Summit, which Zimbabwe is hosting, by staging fake abductions and orchestrating violent protests to attract negative international attention. In response, opposition activists Samuel Gwenzi, Namatai Kwekweza, Vusumizi Moyo, and Robson Chere were lawfully arrested for disorderly conduct after participating in a raucous demonstration demanding the release of 74 CCC activists arrested for planning violent protests at Jameson Timba’s residence. Meanwhile, the opposition has falsely claimed on social media that the quartet was abducted. The Kofi Annan Foundation and British legislator Johnny Oates have predictably come out to defend them.
The security services must not be intimidated by the opposition’s false claims of abductions and demands for the release of violent criminals. Law enforcers must hold every violent protester accountable, especially those colluding with hostile Western countries to create chaos ahead of the SADC Summit. The foreign involvement behind the current protests is evident. These hostile forces have repeatedly tried to dislodge ZANU PF from power through hybrid warfare tactics, including sanctions, funding the opposition, sabotaging the economy, and organizing protests ahead of key international events.
All troublemakers and instigators will be dealt with without fear or favor to ensure Zimbabwe successfully and peacefully hosts the SADC Summit. No amount of opposition noise will deter Zimbabwe from this goal. The four arrested individuals will not be released to appease the opposition and their Western backers. They will receive due process in a court of law, where justice will be served impartially and according to the law. It is disappointing that, despite evidence of collusion with hostile Western countries, the State has not yet invoked the Patriot Act to address these threats to national interests. It is high time the authorities take decisive action against these elements.
